In TNT's King of Texas, Patrick Stewart plays John Lear, a wealthy, egomaniacal Texas rancher who challenges his three daughters to prove their love for him to claim their inheritance. When his youngest daughter refuses to take the challenge, Lear banishes her from his ranch and from his life. He divides his estate between his two remaining daughters and makes plans to continue overseeing the huge family holdings while shuttling between their two homesteads. But venom proves thicker than blood when his daughters betray Lear and force him off his own land. Lear's sudden downfall leaves him emotionally wrecked and fighting for his life, his honor and the one daughter who loves him. King of Texas will premiere on TNT on Sunday, June 2, at 8 p.m. (ET/PT). Chat with Patrick Stewart about the movie.

Las Vegas, Nevada:
Do you think the writer(s)were successful in transposing Shakespeare to Texas? (I suppose you have to say "yes".)

Patrick Stewart:
I think they were entirely successful. The original breakdown of Shakespeare's play in terms of the characters was done by myself, and I handed it over to the screenwriter, who's also a Texas historian. The other thing is that we stayed very very close to Shakespeare's story. There was only one principal character who got cut (Kent). The problem with him is that in the play he spends most of the play in disguise.Comment from Patrick Stewart:
We combine his character with that of Albany.Patrick, Idaho:
Hello Patrick,
I am curious as to your experience in playing different nationalities, in this case, an American Texan. What process do you use in studying for "not simply the role" but for the nationality of the character you play? You've played a French Terran, an English lord and so many others so well, I am looking forward to seeing you as a Texas rancher.
Highest regards from Idaho!

Patrick Stewart:
The nationality is always important. In this case, I was reluctant to play the role. I thought once upon a time of directing or of playing the part played by Colm Meaney. I was persuaded to play it, and I did work with legendary dialect coach named Robert Easton. Robert is a Texan and the screenwriter is a Texan. I hadn't realized, for example, that there was a period when Texas was an independent republic. I'm a Yorkshireman, and we tend to be rather strong headed and opinionated.Marquette, MI:
The movie Memento took an altered approach to filmmaking. What do you see as some of the innovations that keep movies and storytelling fresh?

Patrick Stewart:
I have to tell you I'm suspicious of innovation. I'm uneasy about the increasing use of technology in moviemaking. Nowadays when we watch movies we know how images have been arrived at -- the actors certainly haven't done many of those things. It's getting harder for me to suspend my disbelief. When I go to the cinema, I LIKE to suspend my disbelief! The world has yet to discover anything better than pure storytelling.Rochester NY:
Did you spend some time in Texas before taking on the role?If so did it help you?Keep up the GREAT WORK!!!

Patrick Stewart:
No, unfortunately. I'd planned to spend some time with our screenwriter in Austin, but that didn't pan out. I did spend days and days with my Texan dialogue coach. I learned that a lot of northern Irish came into Texas from the Carolinas and Tennessee, so we incorporated an Ulsterman into the story.Manalapan NJ:
From "I, Claudius" to "King of Texas", what has been your most satisfying role, and how has is affected the rest of your career?

Patrick Stewart:
In terms of personal satisfaction, it's probably a stage role: The one man show of Christmas Carol that I've done in the United States and Britain. It was a project I conceived and wrote. I designed and staged it. It was the most personal piece of work I've ever been involved with, so its success was very personal for me. My career was most affected by the Next Generation, but before then I'd have to say the 15 years I spent with the Royal Shakespeare Company.Simi Valley, CA:
Your one-man show of A Christmas Carol is one of the best holiday treats around & leaves my family awestruck at your immense talent. When might you perform it in L.A. again? This year, I hope.

Patrick Stewart:
Well....I have no plans to perform it again. I did 8 benefit performances in New York at Christmastime, but at the moment I have no plans for futher stage life.Mooresville, North Carolina:
You are obviously a classically trained actor. Why did you choose this role, or I should say, what do you look for when selecting a role?
Jim Esposito

Patrick Stewart:
Years ago an agent said to me that if when I read a part it doesn't send my blood pounding, I shouldn't do it. I look for a character with depth and range. I look at the writing. I also try to do a character as unlike me as possible. And, of course, I look for material that makes demands.Toronto, Ontario:
You usually portray someone who is in control. How difficult was it to play an emotionally wrecked person ??

Patrick Stewart:
I'm most well known for playing dominant individuals, but that doesn't characterize all the work I've done. Someone asked me recently if I was afraid of being typecast after Star Trek. I've been typecast all my life! In RSC, I played coarse comic roles. Then I played hysterical neurotics. Then roles like Picard came up. Strength is something I enjoy using, but it's not a necessary characteristic.Detroit, Michigan:
Patrick, not begin familiar with the story of King Lear are there any aspects of this conversion to a modern day American story that you were unhappy with? Was there difficulty in transferring the meaning of some of the original stor?

Patrick Stewart:
I think the meaning, the psychology, of Shakespeare's play, is present. There are aspects of the story we couldn't include,because they wouldn't be believable in this context. We couldn't turn Edgar into Mad Tom, because it wouldn't be convincing. We do get across the helplessness of the son to his father's pain, however. We've tried to maintain the fundamentals of Shakespeare's story.Richmond, VA:
Mr. Stewart, I think you are easily one of the greatest actors in the world. As one of the few alpha male icons EVER who has, may I write, somewhat less than a full head of hair, what advice would you give a 25 year old male with a rapidly receeding hairline?

Patrick Stewart:
Very simple: If your hair is thinning, whatever is left, cut it off. We're lucky that shaved heads are so fashionable now!Comment from USATODAY.com Host:
Thanks to Patrick Stewart and to everyone who joined in.